How To…
Image by Eric Schuttenmaer
Change the
Oil
Changing the oil, like brake
fluid, windshield and battery
maintenance, is an essential
Why part of keeping your car
running at its very best.
Change Over time, old oil breaks down
the Oil? and the oil filter can become
clogged with nasty bits and
bobs. As a result, it’s important
to change the oil and filter
regularly.
How often Check your car manual for a
definite answer.
should I Depending on your car model,
driving habits and other
change variables, you should be
the oil? looking to change your oil
every 3 – 24 months.
Get all the equipment to do
the job - a new filter, new oil
and all the tools you need
(e.g. a spanner and / or a
wrench).
Lay down some cardboard or
Prepare some newspaper onto the
floor where you think oil may
drip.
If you want to keep your
hands clean, consider
wearing a pair of latex
gloves.
To be extra safe, ensure the
engine has cooled down fully.
Open the hood and open the oil
filler cap to increase air flow
around the oil system
Find the drain plug on the
Remove bottom of the oil pan, towards
the back of the engine (check
the drain your car’s manual for the exact
location).
plug Loosen the plug anti-clockwise
with a wrench.
Replace the felt or paper drain
plug gasket. If you have a
metal one, it can be re-used if it
looks sound enough.
Remove the oil filter. They
are not in the same position
for every car, so can be hard
to find. Check your car’s
manual if you get stuck.
Remove Remove it carefully, bearing
in mind that there will be oil
the filter it.
Make sure the rubber gasket
comes off with the filter. If it
sticks to the car, it will affect
the fit of the new filter and
potentially cause a leak.
Remove all packaging off the
new filter, dip your finger in
some new oil and work it
Replace around the rubber gasket
ring.
the filter Screw the drain plug back on
the oil pan. It should be snug,
but not too tight.
Finally, pop on your new
lubricated filter.
Add new oil to the car at the
fill hole under the hood.
Check your car’s manual to
see how much it needs.
Replace You can use the dipstick as a
measure, but remember it
the oil will be more accurate when
the engine is cool.
Once the oil is filled to a
suitable level, replace the cap
and close the hood.
Clear up all of your tools,
newspaper and cardboard.
Check that everything is
okay by turning on your car’s
engine – the oil pressure light
Finish Up should go off.
Finally, check for any leaks.
With the engine still running,
put the car in neutral, apply
the handbrake then have a
peek under the car for drips.